High surface area nanocrystalline hausmannite synthesized by a solvent-free route

Nanocrystalline high surface area Mn 3O 4 powder was obtained at low temperature by a solvent-free route. The precursor was a mixture of manganese (II) acetate, 3,6,9-trioxadecanoic acid (TODA) and ammonium acetate that were intimately mixed by grounding in an agate mortar. Nanocrystalline Mn 3O 4 was obtained by thermal treatment at 120°C. Powder X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transformed infrared characterization confirmed the formation of the hausmannite phase. The as-prepared mesoporous material has high specific surface area (120 m 2 g -1). The performances of tape casted Mn 3O 4 nanopowder electrodes were investigated as anode material for lithium ion batteries. High capacity values were achieved at diverse C rates. Capacity fading was found to be dependent on the upper cut off voltage, the presence of a plateau at 2.25 V vs. Li +/Li being detrimental for long term cyclability. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.